Subsistence farming- Definition, Characteristics & Types
What is Subsistence farming?
Subsistence farming is a type of agricultural practice where farmers grow crops and raise livestock for their own consumption and survival rather than for commercial purposes The term “subsistence” refers to the ability to support oneself at a minimum level, so subsistence farming typically involves growing only enough food to feed the farmer and their family.
Subsistence farming is often practiced in rural areas of developing countries where access to modern technology and infrastructure is limited. It is typically characterized by small-scale farming, low productivity, and a reliance on traditional farming methods The crops grown in subsistence farming systems are often a mix of staple crops such as rice, maize, and wheat, as well as vegetables and fruits
While subsistence farming can provide a reliable source of food and income for rural communities, it is also associated with poverty and food insecurity. Many subsistence farmers struggle to produce enough food to feed their families, and they are often
vulnerable to crop failures, droughts, and other natural disasters that can destroy their crops and livelihoods
Characteristics of Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming has several distinct characteristics that set it apart from other forms of agriculture:
Small landholdings:
Subsistence farmers typically work with small plots of land, often less than two hectares, which they own or rent. They rely on intensive cultivation techniques to maximize production from these small areas.
Low-input agriculture:
Subsistence farming relies on traditional farming methods and low-cost inputs, such as organic fertilizers, animal manure, and natural pest control methods Farmers often lack
access to modern technologies and agricultural inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
Diversified farming systems:
Subsistence farmers often grow a variety of crops, including staple crops such as rice, maize, and wheat, as well as vegetables, fruits, and cash crops Livestock rearing is also an important component of subsistence farming.
Limited surplus production:
The primary goal of subsistence farming is to produce enough food to meet the needs of the farmer and their family, with any surplus production sold or exchanged in local markets.
Vulnerability to environmental shocks:
Subsistence farmers often live in areas prone to environmental shocks such as droughts, floods, and pests. As a result, they must have adaptive strategies to cope with these challenges
Labor-intensive:
Subsistence farming is labor-intensive, and farmers often rely on family labor or sharecroppers to work their land. This can result in high workloads for family members, including women and children
Limited access to markets:
Subsistence farmers often live in remote areas with limited access to markets, which can make it difficult to sell their surplus production or access modern agricultural inputs and technologies
Types of Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming is a type of agricultural practice where farmers produce only enough food to meet their family’s needs without any surplus for commercial purposes The following are the different types of subsistence farming:
Intensive subsistence farming:
In this type of farming, farmers cultivate small plots of land using labor-intensive methods such as hand tools and human labor This type of farming is common in densely populated areas where land is scarce
Shifting cultivation:
Also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, this type of farming involves clearing and burning a plot of land, planting crops, and then moving on to a new plot of land when the soil is no longer fertile. It is commonly practiced in tropical regions.
Pastoral nomadism:
This type of farming involves raising livestock such as cattle, sheep, or goats, and moving them from one place to another in search of pasture and water It is common in arid and semi-arid regions where vegetation is scarce.
Hunter-gatherer subsistence farming:
This type of farming involves hunting wild animals and gathering fruits, nuts, and roots from the natural environment. It is practiced by indigenous peoples in different parts of the world.
Terrace farming:
In this type of farming, farmers construct terraces on steep hillsides to create flat areas for planting crops. This type of farming is common in mountainous regions where land is limited.
Each type of subsistence farming has its unique characteristics, challenges, and benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subsistence farming refers to a type of agriculture in which farmers produce crops and livestock primarily for their own consumption or for their local community It is often characterized by small-scale, low-tech methods and a focus on meeting basic needs rather than maximizing profit.
Subsistence farming can be classified into two main types: shifting cultivation and intensive subsistence agriculture. Shifting cultivation involves rotating crops and fallow periods in order to maintain soil fertility, while intensive subsistence agriculture involves the use of high labor inputs and efficient land use to produce crops on a small scale
Despite its importance in providing food security for farmers, subsistence farming faces many challenges, including land degradation, climate change, and the growing demand for commercial agriculture. Nonetheless, it remains a critical way of life for many rural communities and an important aspect of global food systems.